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Ethereum-based Lighter raised $68 million at a $1.5 billion valuation, led by Founders Fund and Ribbit Capital.
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The platform offers onchain perpetual trading with CEX-level performance.
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The funding marks renewed VC confidence in DeFi derivatives infrastructure.
Venture Capital Bets Big on DeFi Derivatives
Trading protocol Lighter has secured $68 million in funding at a $1.5 billion valuation, signaling investor enthusiasm for decentralized derivatives platforms. Major backers include Founders Fund, Ribbit Capital, and Haun Ventures.
Blending Speed with Transparency
Operating as both a Layer 2 network and decentralized exchange, Lighter combines fast, onchain verification with low-cost perpetual futures trading. The platform aims to deliver centralized exchange efficiency with full onchain auditability.
Perpetuals Dominate the Market
Perpetual futures now account for 75% of global CEX trading volume, with DEX volumes surging past $1.2 trillion in October. Lighter’s rise aligns with this shift as investors seek decentralized, scalable trading infrastructure.
Next Steps: Token Launch and Spot Expansion
Lighter plans to expand into spot trading and issue its own native token, with investor warrants included in the deal. Analysts say this new wave of perpetual DEXs is reshaping DeFi into core financial infrastructure rather than speculative tools.
